Lighting systems

ABSTRACT

A system for assembling a variety of structures is disclosed. The system comprises a number of relatively short members having integral terminator portions suitable for reusable mechanical connection to other said members, at least a plurality of said members preferably incorporating a bend in at least one terminator to permit the assembly of complex, dimensional structures without additional components.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/523,530 filed Nov. 19, 2003, and relates to structures andcomponents thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The application discloses a variety of improvements to structures andcomponents thereof and other equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one element of the structural system.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a similar element of the structural systemof greater length.

FIG. 3 is an elevation of the element in the prior Figure rotated 90degrees about its long axis.

FIG. 4 is an elevation of an element similar to that in the priorfigure, whose terminators have been bent.

FIG. 5 is an elevation showing a plurality of elements like those in theprior Figures at a joint/intersection.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a complex structure assembled from the elementsof the prior Figures.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a complex structure in which otherwiseparallel members of different length are used to produce curved orfacetted shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior trusses and similar structures are typically fabricated by the useof parallel lengths of continuous tubing for the main chords of thetruss, parallel to its elongated centerline, and then machining shorterlengths of tube stock to form intersecting cross-bracing between suchmain chords, which are welded in place. In less expensive versions,cross-bracing is provided by continuous rod that is repeatedly bent to“zig-zag” back and forth between main chord tubes. Trusses are typicallyfabricated in sections that, for reasons of modularity and shipping, arefar shorter than the desired span of the final structure. A load-bearingdetail for joining multiple sections end-wise in the field is required.

Trusses fabricated using these methods are essentially hand-built andcustom; cannot be altered in design or repaired in the field; andconsume considerable volume in shipping; and are bulky in handling.There are also particular disadvantages when the truss is curved orfacetted along its elongated centerline because of the increasedcomplexity in fabrication and increased volume consumed in shipping.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an improved method of truss fabrication with manyadvantages.

At least the members used to cross-brace the main chords are fabricatedby flattening tube stock to form a “tab” and punching at least one passhole for a bolt or other fastener. (For example, tab 10A and pass hole10B in the case of member/structural element 10 of FIG. 1.) The “tab”may also be bent (as illustrated in FIG. 4) to provide for connectionsat angles and/or attached to intermediate, angled brackets. Suchcross-braces can then be bolted to the main chords either in the shop orin the field to form a structure. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5,similar elements/members can be used to form all parts of the structure,including the main chords, such that the truss or other structure isentirely assembled from a selection of these relatively-short members,completely in the shop; completely in the field; or assembled inintermediate lengths (sections) that are field-joined on site. Themethod is extremely flexible, allowing trusses in a vast number of sizesand shapes to be assembled from a relatively small number of components.Specific trusses can be modified, repaired, and even “recycled” bychanging members. And, if stocked and shipped as individual members, thesystem is extremely efficient in stocking and transport.

The system is also very efficient in producing structures having curves,facets, and angles. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, complex structurescan be produced, as can curved or facetted structures by using membersthat are longer on one side (e.g. element/member 71 of FIG. 7) of astructure than the other (e.g. element/member 72)—a segmented curve canbe formed from “standard” straight members (although such members couldalso be radiused).

Such an approach has advantages in many applications, including trussesand space frames used in architectural applications.

One application is, for example, in structures that support solararrays, which must be supported and at specific angles. Such asupporting structure can be free-standing or attached to a building orother structure. It will be seen that the tremendous flexibility of thedisclosed approach allows near infinite variation in structure design.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate solar panels attached to one portion of astructure.

In addition to the arrays often seen on roofs; such a structure canserve other functions. Such structures can be used to fabricate awningsor canopies over building entrances or walkways; providing protectionfrom sun, rain, and snow.

Such panels can be mounted to buildings to serve as sun-shades orawnings over windows, serving the dual functions of generating power andof reducing solar gain (and, therefore, the need for air-conditioning).

Whether they rely on photocells or heat a fluid, such panels can takemany forms, including in the former case, not only the traditional rigidpanels, but flexible materials that can be adhered to a rigid backing orused as a fabric.

In the case of sun-shades, for example, types are known in which aseries of relatively narrow and vertical “slats” parallel the buildingwall/window opening. The height, angle, and spacing of the slats are setto block the sun's rays at specific angles. The sunward faces of suchslats can mount photo-electric cells for power generation; the slotsthemselves can be, effectively, radiators that convert incident solarenergy to heat transmitted to a fluid passing through them; and/or thesunward surface of the slat can incorporate shapes that concentrateincident light on the facing side of the next sunward slat or on amember inbetween.

In applications of solar arrays, snow collecting on the array will blockincident light and reduce the array's output until removed. Manuallyclearing snow from the array represents not only an inconvenience and incost, but, given their typical location, a potential safety risk. Thefailure to clear snow promptly from the array may lead to a frozen“crust” that is difficult, at best, to remove.

Desirably, therefore, means will be provided to apply sufficient heat tothe exposed surfaces of the array that snow will melt rather thancollect. In the case of arrays using fluids, the fluid can be heated asnecessary and the array converted into a radiator. Photocell arrays canincorporate electric heater provisions, such as are used on car windows.And thin, flexible films applied to surfaces can be heated by heatingthe surface to which they are mounted—for example, such material appliedto a metal roof can be warmed by heating the roof—which can be done fromthe rear side.

Such “solar solutions” are typically installed exterior to a building,producing issues of mounting; weather; access; and appearance. But it isalso possible to generate power and serve other, desirable functions inapplications interior to a structure.

Vertical or horizontal (“venetian”) blinds are mounted to windowopenings that admit energy, but are protected from the elements.Desirably, the slats of such “blinds” could be or be provided with“solar cells”. Desirably, their operation can be motorized and maderesponsive to factors including incident solar energy; time ofday/day/season; and the occupancy of the adjacent space. If, forexample, the space in which they are mounted is presently unoccupied,then, upon detecting significant solar energy from a local or a remotesensor, the “blinds/array” would be closed and optimized for maximumcollection—which would also reduce heat gain into the space. If thespace is occupied, it can be expected that many occupants, underconditions of bright, direct sunlight will prefer a “blind” setting thatwill result in power generation. Where the user does not intervene, thedisposition of the “array” can be optimized for maximumgeneration—including predictively. As the sun's passage through the skyis predictable, entering the building's location and the “blind/array”'scompass orientation once on installation, would allow automaticallysetting optimum angle.

In “vertical” blind applications, the “slats” can rotate to “follow thesun”—which has the benefit of generating power; reducing heat load; andpreserving a shaded view.

Where an energy-generating material can be made translucent ortransparent, it can be used in a fashion that need not block views.Indeed, if transparent enough, the material can be permanently appliedto window and curtain-wall surfaces.

Materials are now known that electrically convert from transparent totranslucent and such materials could be combined with a transparentsolar generator material, such that the deployment of “blinds” forgenerating power need not block the occupants' views unless desired.

One face of the “slats” in an array might include a coating thatreflects solar energy and the other face a coating that absorbs it (or amaterial used whose properties depend upon the direction in which energypasses thru it). When solar gain in the space is not desired (as insummer) the reflective surface would be rotated toward the sun/exterior.When it is desired (in winter) the absorbtive face would be rotatedtoward the sun to produce “constructive thermal gain”.

Such “solar solutions” are not limited to “blinds” with rigid slats. Asflexible energy-generating materials come on-line, they can be used inroll-down “sun-shades”.

And the exterior of a building, particularly one of modularconstruction, can include modules that absorb (or selectively absorb orreflect) solar energy and convert it into electrical and/or thermaloutput, while appearing integral to the building's architecture.

Another application of trusses and other structures, including themodular approach previously disclosed, is in the creation of structuresfor recreational purposes.

Many individuals would prefer to enjoy the recreational benefits of alake, pool, beach or other body of water. For many millions, especiallythose in urban areas, such recreational opportunities are not verypractical. Although many urban areas are built on or near bodies ofwater, such bodies of water are frequently not suitable for bathing.Travel to more suitable waters involves both time and expense, as wellas braving the “rush hour” produced when large numbers travel toresidences and recreation in outlying areas at the same time. Manysuitable waters cannot be readily accessed without the use of a privateautomobile, which many urban dwellers do not own. There are generallyfew suitable facilities, particularly outdoor ones, in urban areas.

The instant disclosure includes improved methods of fabricating andoperating recreational facilities.

Such facilities can be produced rapidly and relatively inexpensively byone of several means.

One method is to “float” a pool on another body of water, particularlywhen that body of water is not itself suitable for bathing. Theperimeter of the pool can be defined by the “shoreline” of the body ofwater and/or by floating structures such as pontoons, trusses, barges,buoys, etc. A membrane can be suspended between the perimeter elementsand potable water pumped into it. The result is a pool of bathable waterlargely supported in and by the larger body of water, which may not besuitable for bathing.

(Leaks in the membrane can be detected when the water quality of thepool water is tested. A “double-bottomed” double-membrane design can beused with the space between the two membranes filled with a buffer fluidthat includes non-toxic compound that is readily detectable in thepotable water contained by the inner membrane (for example, a coloreddye). The density of the fluid in the intermediate layer can be adjustedand/or materials (like sand and gravel) inserted to assist in formingthe membrane's shape. A leak in the outer membrane can be detected fromtesting the fluid in the intermediate layer and a leak in the innermembrane can be detected by the appearance of the tracer in the poolwater.)

The structures used to support the perimeter of the pool can also beused to support access decks, ladders, slides, seating areas,landscaping and other facilities. The shore adjacent can be used for thesame function. Facilities can be packaged in modular elements—forexample, cargo containers that can be trucked or barged to the facilitylocation and deposited on shore or on a floating structure.

One appeal of the disclosed approach is that it creates recreationalbathing and related activities quickly and inexpensively on a body ofwater and many urban areas include extensive shorelines along rivers andbays that can be reached on foot, by taxis, bicycles, and by urban masstransit. The location of the facility on a body of water also permitsaccess by watercraft such as ferries.

As the facility is largely or completely on water, little is required onland, maximizing the number of and minimizing the costs and requirementsfor a suitable site.

Such a facility is highly “portable”; can be readily relocated, expandedand/or reconfigured; and can be rapidly reproduced at a number oflocations.

Another alternative site is an excavation or other recess that may be apermanent feature of a site or may be the interim result, for example,of an ongoing construction project.

Because of the versatility of its design; the economy of itsfabrication; its efficiency in shipping; and its flexibility in beingpossible to modify, repair, and even “recycle” in the field, thedisclosed structural approach has advantages in the construction ofstructures for such facilities. Modular scaffolding system like“Super-Scaf” also has application.

In one example, as illustrated in FIG. ?, a structure defining theperimeter of a floating pool is constructed. That structure is madepositively buoyant by wrapping it in a waterproof membrane and/or byincorporating buoyant elements like air-filled containers and/or closedcell foam. A perimeter deck and railings, etc. can be attached to theupper surface of the structure and the membrane or membranes thatseparate the potable water from the surrounding waters can be attachedto the structure.

The result is a uniquely fast, flexible, and economical method ofproducing a recreational facility that can be “deployed” on a temporarybasis.

Another aspect of the invention is a “floating hot tub”.

Where a recreational body of water (ocean, lake, or pool) is present,there is frequently the desire to provide for a “hot tub” or “soakpool”—smaller volume of water at higher temperatures and often withjets.

Typically, they require separate, rigid, in-ground or above-ground tubsthat are expensive to purchase and hardly portable.

Alternatively, such a “hot tub” or “soak pool” can be designed as alargely flexible assembly that floats in a larger body of water,drastically reducing the cost over traditional approaches and offeringtrue portability and a wider range of applications.

For example, a buoyant “ring” can be fabricated of closed-cell foam oran inflated shape. From that ring hangs a rigid or flexible “tub” orbag. Heated water is pumped into the interior of the “tub” or bag. Seatsor benches can be suspended within it, as can tubing for “jets”. Thematerial(s) used for the “tub” or “bag” can be thermally-insulating.

The result is a simple, portable, and inexpensive solution that bringsthe luxury of a “hot tub” or “soak pool” to virtually any larger body ofwater. It can be floated in a pool, a lake, or in reasonably flat seas;used seasonally and stored; carried in cars and onboard boats.

The functions of heating and circulating water; water treatment; and/or“jets” can be provided by several methods.

Most pools include provisions for water circulation and water treatmentand, in some cases, water heaters. The treated water in the pool can bediverted to fill the “tub”. The pool heater; an accessory heater(including a solar one); and/or domestic hot water can be used to raisethe temperature in the “tub” above that in the pool. And the water inthe “tub” can be returned to the general supply for treatment.

A portable unit with pump, filter, and heater can be used where aconnection to the apparatus of a larger pool is not available—forexample, in portable applications.

Several other improvements to larger aquatic facilities can be made:

Traditional bathing facilities require and include public changing andlocker rooms that consume large amounts of space and are less thanprivate. A facility can, however, include a number of smaller, privateor semi-private changing rooms. The function of a locker can be servedby a lockable case or bin. Upon entering the changing room, several suchcases or bins would be abutted/inserted from an external service areawith their door in an opening in a wall of the changing room—resemblingin appearance traditional lockers recessed in the wall surface. Thecustomer would fill the locker/case and secure it. Upon leaving thechanging room, the customer's sealed locker would be removed from theexternal service area side and placed in a high-density storage area. Anempty locker would be positioned in the room opening for the nextcustomer. When the customer is ready to leave the facility, they wouldrequest access to a changing room and upon reaching it would find thattheir locker had been retrieved from the high-density storage area andreplaced in an opening in the changing room wall, such that they couldrecover their belongings as if the locker were permanently located inthe wall. Varying degrees of privacy are possible as is direct access tothe “locker” in a public area.

Such bin/lockers can be handled manually or by mechanized, automatedsystems and positioned from the same and/or a higher or lower level.

Various advantages would also result from a more efficient method ofcontrolling access to and billing for the use of this or many otherrecreational facilities.

Customers could, preferably, be able to reserve access to the facilityat a specified day and time for a specified number of guests. This wouldassure the customer that they would gain access. By time-reservedreservations/entry and linking the customer's credit or debit card oraccount to his/her/their activities, a variety of benefits would result.

Access to the facility could be priced—and re-priced—for yieldmanagement. Access in periods of high demand—whether due to time of day;day; date (holiday) and/or weather could be priced or re-priced tomaximize revenues. Price could be based on the time spent at thefacility in a given visit—again, as modified by time ofday/day/weather/activities/etc.

Once onsite, a customer account would allow convenient billing forfacilities and services used—as well as purchases from concessions likedrink and food service.

A card, pendant, wristband, or other object incorporating amachine-readable identifier like a bar code or RFID and/or a personalPIN number the user could key into a POP interface would allow the userto charge access, goods, and services. Charges could be adjusted basedon actual usage—for example, by the hour or quarter-hour for time spentin the facility; for use of a private changing room (with, for example,a certain charge for a defined period of use, for example, five minutes,with incremental and escalating additional charges if the changing roomis not vacated after the defined period).

Such an “account” system simplifies the purchase of, for example, foodand drink, creating a “cash-less” environment. It also permits parentsto enjoy the use of the facility while requiring less supervision oftheir children. A parent could, for example, during the reservationprocess, set up accounts for their children that would permit the parentto set dollar amount and other limits (for example, nutritional ones) onthe purchases that could be made by their children on those accounts.

While the advantages of such a bin/locker and such a reservations andaccount system are described in the context of one facility, it will beapparent that they have many other possible applications, notnecessarily limited to only recreational ones.

For example, in many applications, many persons present on a temporarybasis in a venue will have needs to communicate with other parties at oroutside of the same venue by a variety of means. Those individuals maybring a cell phone and perhap a personal computer to the event, butaccess to their cellular service and to data lines, much less high speedones, may be limited and expensive. The individual may need to makecopies and send and receive faxes. The individual may need to input oroutput information in the form of printed pages, drawings, orphotographs, a task that requires the use of peripheral input or outputdevices that the individual will not have brought with them to the site,and to which they may not have access, unless via a “business center” orother business that may be distant, expensive, and not consistentlyavailable.

One solution is the use of one or more “kiosk”, which can be portable orpermanently installed at convenient locations.

Such a kiosk can contain a variety of input and output devices such asprinters, plotters, copiers, and scanners, whether discrete orintegrated. The user may connect their personal computer to the kioskeither by means of a wired (e.g. Ethernet, USB, etc) or wirelessconnection (wireless local area network) and employ the input and outputdevices and functions needed. In a vending model, the user may becharged for the service(s) used.

In one embodiment, a user would establish (or access an existing)account that would debit a credit card or a cash deposit for servicesused. For outgoing services (e.g., internet) the user would “log on” tothe wired or wireless connection. For interactive services like copying,the user would move to a “kiosk” and interact directly.

But tunctions like printing and incoming fax can be handled on a “storeand retrieve” basis. That is, the user could send a file to be printedto the local network. The user could provide others with a temporarytelephone number for incoming faxes. It would not, however, be necessaryfor the user to visit a kiosk to determine whether a fax had beenreceived, nor a risk that a received fax or requested printout might belost or fall into other hands. In the case of a fax, receipt of a fax bythe system would result in a voice or digital page to the user at anumber designated to inform them that a fax had been received and withthe details of its length and sender ID. The user could then, at anytime, approach any kiosk in the system and, upon entering a PIN or otheridentifying code, those faxes (and any pending print jobs) would printout in their presence. The system could also include provisions,accessed by a user via telephone and/or on-line connections to redirectfaxes and files to other telephone numbers and edresses.

Another aspect of the same or another system is for the purpose oftelephonic communication. Cellular service at a given location (forexample a convention center) may be less than ideal as well as beingexpensive. The temporary installation of “land lines” for voice or data(for example, in a trade show booth) is expensive, limited to fixedlocations, and is often not accomplished—or not accomplishedcorrectly—until some time after the actual need for it begins.

An alternative is to employ a high-speed data connection or othertelecom to a general location, at which point the service may becontinued by wired or wireless means to one or more near or distantlocations at which the service is adapted to “voice-over-internet” andfrom there to wired or, preferably, cordless telephones. The result isimmediate high-quality communications at a fraction of the cost ofeither cellular or traditional installed wired service as well as datacommunications over wireless local links to the high-speed connection.

In a vending model the cordless phones can be dispensed against adeposit assuring their return or compensating the owner for loss of thephone.

In one version, the cordless phones can be provided with electronictimers and/or “locks”. Each phone might be stored (and recharged) in acompartment of a vending machine. The vending machine could uniquelyidentify the phone (for example. by serial number). Upon “signing up”for a phone and establishing a deposit on the instrument and service,the user would remove one phone from the vending machine. By a local orthe wireless connection, the vending machine would “enable” the phonefor service. After a defined period; on exceeding the established“credit line”, or for other cause, the system would disable theinstrument not only by denying access through the network, but bydisabling the instrument itself. Upon returning the phone to a chargingstation in the same (or, in principle, any other) vending machine, andupon the vending machine interrogating the phone for both its serialnumber and its condition, the phone would be marked “returned” and theuser's transaction closed.

The use of “locks” and “timers” has other applications. For example,large events may require the rental and distribution of dozens orhundreds of walkie-talkies that are used in coordinating the event.Attempting to track the issue and return of radios by identifying towhom they have been issued and whether they are returned either relieson an “honor system of “sign-out sheets”, or assigning specific staff tocheck radios in and out. Alternatively, radios could be supplied“locked”. With a connection (for example, via an existing programmingport) to the radio, an individual would be required to provide“identification” if not a deposit by the swipe of a credit card, driverslicense, or identification card. This would electronically andunambiguously associate the specific radio with that individual. Theradio would be scanned on return. Where setting time limits on the useof the radio is desired to allow reassigning the radio or prevent theft,the radio can be programmed with a “count-down” that disables it orlimits its operation after a defined period. A shut-down command can besent at any time to specified radios or all radios on a frequency.Similarly, with the correlation between a radio and a specific person,while the radio connected in a programming mode, each radio can beupdated with specific frequencies, modes, and limitations.

In these, as in all other cases, variations and other embodiments arepossible within the scope of the inventions, which should not beunderstood as limited except by the claims.

1. In a structure for the support of loads: a plurality of similarelongated structural members, a plurality of said structural shapesdisposed in a substantially parallel relationship; additional saidmembers mechanically connected to and between said elongated structuralshapes for maintaining said substantially parallel relationship; saidmembers and said additional members forming a substantially rigidstructure that is longer in at least one axis than the longest saidmember perpendicular to said axis; said members having at least twointegral terminator portions suitable for reusable mechanicalinterconnection with the terminator portions of said members and aplurality of said members incorporating a bend in at least one of saidterminator portions.